Student Advisor - Tacoma at Rainier Scholars in Tacoma, WA

ORGANIZATION:  

Rainier Scholars is a comprehensive academic enrichment program that supports students over a 12-year journey – from 5th grade to college graduation. We seek to serve those who are most under-represented on college campuses and have the greatest number of barriers to achieving a college education: 85% qualify as low-income; 90% would be the first in their family to earn a college degree. Our program offers rigorous academics, leadership development and personalized support for scholars, providing access to educational pathways and myriad opportunities previously unimagined.  

  

With a budget size of $10 million, a staff team of 50+ full-time employees and 720+ scholars and families whom we currently serve in Seattle and Tacoma, Rainier Scholars has established a positive brand for our unwavering commitment to education, proven success rate, and sustainable impact. We grow new generations of diverse college graduates, career professionals, and community leaders. 

POSITION SUMMARY:  

Rainier Scholars – Tacoma launched in late spring 2021 and welcomed its first cohort during the summer of June 2022. It is designed as a unique public-school partnership that collaborates alongside fellow educators to improve the outcomes of students who face the biggest barriers to success. We work towards the larger goal of expanding opportunities for everyone by centering the experiences of Multi-Generational African Americans, a group facing a highly complex set of barriers due to the country’s history of enslavement and segregation, in our program design. 

Rainier Scholars - Tacoma is seeking responsible, highly motivated college or college-bound students to serve as Student Advisors to cohorts 4 and 5. Student Advisors are a key source of support to our youngest students, who will be rising 5th and  6th graders in the summer portion of our program. Student Advisors provide coaching and mentorship through the academic process  and help facilitate the student’s development of meaningful relationships within the Rainier Scholars’ community. This work occurs in both one on one and small group settings. 

KEY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:  

• Mentoring of students both individually and in an advisory group setting (up to 12 students);
• Serving as a member of the Rainier Scholars staff;
• Communicating student issues to staff and faculty in a responsible and timely manner;
• Assisting in the organization and implementation of social programs, activities and celebrations;
• Acting as a teaching assistant for classroom teachers;
• Tutoring students on classroom content as needed;
• Identifying students’ academic, organizational, and time management needs and utilizing individual or small group meetings to assist scholars in coping with challenges in these areas;
• Attending daily Student Advisor meetings;
• Leading and actively participating in student recreation activities and morning assemblies;
• Managing student behavior in social settings and on field trips;
• Supporting students outside of work hours (e.g. answering questions and checking in by phone);
• Maintaining and modeling success in their own academic endeavors while being a Student Advisor;
• Maintaining and modeling professional behavior;
• Leading individual advisory lessons/activities;
• Set, review and reflect on goals with the Director of Middle School Readiness and Student Advisor Manager;
• Assisting with students’ transition into the summer program, e.g. student advisors are expected to ride school buses to and from school for the first three days of the summer program only. After the first three days, riding buses is optional (note: Bus transportation is available to Student Advisors throughout the summer session);
• Other related duties as assigned. 

  

QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Junior or senior year in high school or enrolled in college;
• Ability to relate to and work respectfully with the diverse cultures represented by Rainier Scholars;
• Good academic standing (3.0 GPA or higher) at your current school;
• Well-developed organizational and time management skills;
• Strong listening and oral communication skills;
• Ability to work as a team with other students, other advisors, faculty, and staff members;
• A passion for working with and mentoring children;  
• Ability to build strong relationships with a variety of people such as students, other student advisors and staff members. 

TIME COMMITMENT & SCHEDULE:

• Program Dates: June 29 – August 7, 2026
• Work Schedule: Monday – Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
• Location: Hunt Middle School, 6501 S. 10th St., Tacoma, WA 98465
• Additional Commitments:
  • Preparation Days and Training: Week of June 22nd - June 26th
  • Participation in and leadership of Launch Day: Student Orientation June 27, 2026
  • Some evening events required (Open House, Parent/Teacher Conferences)
    

COMPENSATION/BENEFITS: 

This is an hourly position with compensation of $21.30 to 22 per hour. The rate is based on your first or second year advising with Rainier Scholars. This role is eligible for paid sick and safe time, per Washington state law.

To Apply: Applications must be submitted by May 22, 2026. Please contact Jaliyah Putney, jputney@rainierscholars.org with any questions or assistance with the application process. 

 

Our work is rooted in ensuring people from marginalized communities have the opportunity to thrive in education and careers that they are passionate about. Rainier Scholars is an equal opportunity employer committed to promoting an equitable and inclusive environment for our scholars, families, and staff. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, and strongly encourage people of color, first-generation college students, and people from working-class backgrounds to apply.